Hannah Davis’s Secrets to Sports Illustrated–Worthy Beach Style

If there’s one person who knows how to wear a swimsuit, it’s Sports Illustrated cover model Hannah Davis. The 25-year-old was raised in Saint Thomas as a beach babe from the start, sporting a wardrobe comprised mostly of T-shirts, sarongs, and jean shorts. “I think anytime you grow up somewhere where it’s warm year-round, summer is the main focus,” says Davis who tends to frequent those temperate climes.

Recently she jetted out of Miami where she hosted a party with sea-friendly label Pret-a-Surf at the Standard. “It’s a sexy line but still very sporty—that’s what makes it so cool,” Davis says.

That’s the key to her alluring, yet lo-fi look, after all: The secret, she says, is to keep things casual. “No heels, always a flip-flop,” mandates the Project Runway Junior host, adding, “Bring sarongs because you can always make it in what you want to. I also like to be able to pair it with sneakers . . . I’m sort of a tomboy at heart.”

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Photo: Courtesy of Hannah Davis / @hanni_davis

And what about the main ingredient? What type of bathing suit does the girl who has gorgeously modeled dozens of great ones opt to wear off-duty? Davis lets us in on a genius approach that’s as much about fashion as it is about achieving a perfectly seamless, healthy glow (we just hope she’s adding sunscreen to that mix). “I try to switch it up every day,” she says. “Halter one day, strapless the next. You never get a tan line on top, but if I’m really just laying out, then I take a strapless bathing suit with me.”

And for those who prefer to wear surf-inspired looks on offshore turf, Davis suggests working in a few swimwear elements for a fun, easy vibe. “Keep it casual with a one-piece or rash guard—it looks like you’re going to the beach,” says Davis, cheekily adding, “Also, you don’t have to wear a bra.”